Dear Friend,
A Present Uncertainty
Everyday we are confronted with images of human suffering and civil unrest. We witness and sometimes experience first hand the raging conflicts and devastations that occur in the world around us bringing doubt and concerns about the future.
In our own lives we may be dealing with difficult relationships, economic uncertainty, loneliness or depression. We can become weighed down by our fears and by circumstances beyond our control and though we seek rest, we find none.
Yet even in the best of circumstances, true happiness still seems to evade us. There remains a longing and an emptiness, for nothing that this world can offer, can sufficiently fill the inner most needs and desires of our heart and soul. And though we may look for comfort in the certainty of truth, the world presents to us the falsehood that truth is relative, leaving its seekers hopeless.
An Amazing Love
Yet in a world full of turmoil and conflicts there does exist a true and lasting peace. Among all the uncertainty and fears, there is a steadfast truth and a hope that can sustain us and lift us above the most trying of circumstances. And there is a joy that brings comfort and rest to the broken heart.
This peace, hope and joy is founded in a relationship; a relationship with God. For who knows your needs better than your Creator? Who else is better able to direct, guide and accomplish all things in your life than an all powerful and sovereign God? And who could love you more than a heavenly Father who loves you with an unconditional and everlasting love. This is the amazing love that God provides and yet it is also the relationship that mankind rejects.
A Frightening Reality
Though many of us say we believe in God, we don't really know God. Instead we have created a God out of our own experiences and thoughts who thinks and feels the way we do. We have rebelled against the true God, His promises, His Word the Bible and His standard for holiness. This is sin and it has separated us from our God and brought judgment, sickness, sorrow and death into this world, the evidence of which we see all around us.
According to God's Word, the penalty for sin is nothing less than death (separation from God). Sadly, we have all sinned and rebelled against God and are all deserving of this death. We can take no refuge in our own ability or that of anyone else for a right standing with God. For no act of kindness or good works is capable of satisfying God's standard of righteousness. Therefore, we remain frighteningly under the wrath of God.
The Good News
But the Good News is that God does not leave us in our frightening, fallen condition without hope. In His love and mercy God sent a Savior to rescue us and give us a sure and certain hope. He is the only one sufficient to satisfy the righteousness of God and redeem us from sin. God has given us His Son, Jesus Christ.
For though God is loving and forgiving and wanting to grant us mercy, He is also a righteous and just God that demands that the penalty for sin be paid. The dilemma was how can God remain just and still extend His mercy to us. The way was through Jesus Christ who, being God, became man to represent us and become our substitute in receiving the judgment for our sins by His death on the cross. Justice was served and mercy bestowed for the price was paid so that we who were deserving of death were declared innocent before God. In doing so, Christ has restored and opened the way for a renewed relationship with God and the certainty of eternal life and all it's blessings to those who turn from sin and put their faith in Him.
If your desire is to be cleansed from the guilt of sin, free from fear and uncertainty, secure in a steadfast and everlasting love, obtain the promise of eternal life and to have a heart full of peace, joy and hope, trust in Jesus Christ and in what He has done for you as your Lord and Savior.
"Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, Believe also in me" (words spoken by Jesus)
If you would like to learn more about this precious gift of God and the wonderful hope there is in Jesus Christ, please contact us at:
theberean1@aol.com or call 631-226-2177 and come visit us at:
The First Baptist Church of Lindenhurst
39 E. John Street, Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Sundays: Sunday School at 10:00, Worship Service at 11 ------- Wednesday: Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.
